Subterranean abodes are gaining in popularity all over the world and not just amongst agoraphobics and American survivalists. Hundreds of underground homes are springing up all over the UK.

Several societies and associations have been formed who take a collective approach to constructing underground gaffs and most of these alterno-eco dwellings are designed for family life.

Believe it or not they are not dark, damp and dingy caves. Earth sheltering uses lots of light with glass windows and skylights installed all over dwellings. And with the right structure in place, the spaces inside can be as large as you want.

However, there are some problems that need to be addressed before comfortably committing yourself to a sub-turf existence. First, you need to ensure a good air supply, usually with the use of a dehumidifier and this should help with a second potential problem, condensation. As long as you don't have a contrast between the air temperature and the temperature of your earth insulated walls, condensation and it's consequent mould and fungal problems should be avoided.

The British Earth Sheltering Association (BESA) promotes the integration of underground enclaves with the immediate environment. The good thing about these superficially secret lodgings is that the damage to the surrounding land is negligible and they are one of the most sustainable ways to live in the modern era.

Earth sheltered homes should certainly appeal to the more frugal amongst us, too. There're considerable energy savings, very little maintenance costs, low fire risk resulting in lower insurance premiums and, of course, burglary is nigh on impossible, especially when the most likely culprits are badgers and foxes.

For more info write to: BESA, 100 The Crofts, Witney, Oxon, OX8 7AG

Dan Crimes